Limiting cellphones, hand-held video games and electronic devices

A bill before Vermont legislators would limit the use of cellphones, hand-held video games and other electronic devices in school.

The bill introduced by Independent Rep. Michael Marcotte of Conventy would call for school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students from using the devices during school hours. But it would allow the boards to include exceptions during lunch, non-instructional time or at the direction of a teacher as part of a lesson plan.

Marcotte said he hears students use cellphones to bully others, and to share answers on tests.

Ken Page, executive director of the Vermont Principals' Association, said the law is unnecessary. He said it's well-intended. But he says schools have written policies on such matters.